Press releases

For members of the press: If you need more information or would like to arrange an interview about child care issues members of the press can call our media team on 020 7593 2054.

If you have an urgent out of hours press enquiry, please contact the press office on 07767 444 589.

Adoption campaign aims to recruit more families

Could you make it happen for a child?

Issued: 21 October 04

Currently, there are nearly 4,000 children in the UK waiting for a family. During this year's National Adoption Week (1-7 November, 2004), we're asking if you can adopt and become a parent to one of these children. This year, our campaign is being supported by TV and radio presenter, Nicky Campbell, himself an adopted person.

Now in its eighth year, National Adoption Week is co-ordinated by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF). The charity aims to raise awareness of adoption issues and is calling on families to consider whether they can offer a child a loving and permanent home.

During this special Week, BAAF will be running a dedicated national helpline 020 7593 2060/1/2 where trained volunteers will be on hand to offer information and advice. There will also be a free information pack available to anyone thinking about adoption.

Nicky Campbell, BBC's Watchdog presenter said:

"When I was adopted by my parents, I won the lottery. They gave me the love and security to be me. They made me what I am and after searching for and tracing my birth parents, I knew all the more they will always be my mummy and daddy. You too can give the same chance to a child who is waiting for parents now and give them a loving home that they so deserve."

There is also a dedicated website (www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk) so people can find out what special events are going on in their area. Events include a bonfire and fireworks display in Wolverhampton; Hull Adoption Services will be holding a series of events across the city so people can find out more about adoption. A film made by young people about their adoption experiences will receive its premiere at the Djanogly Theatre in Mansfield on November 1st.

Felicity Collier, Chief Executive of BAAF said:

"There are so many myths about what makes good adoptive parents and the simple truth is that all kinds of people are suitable."

"What really matters is that you can provide a permanent and stable home for a child and that you have the space in your life as well. Today's adoptive parents come from all walks of life and we've found that many are coming forward later in life and it's proving to be a very enriching experience for them."

Ends

Contact:

Gabriella Brooks, Media Manager, 020 7593 2053 or 07767 444 589 (out of hours). Lucy Handford, Media Assistant, on 020 7593 2054

Notes to Editor

1. Nicky Campbell will also be available for radio interviews on Monday 1st November between 10.30am and 12.30pm only. Please contact the press office for more details.
2. To arrange a radio interview with a BAAF spokesperson, please contact the press office. The ISDN number is 020 7928 4308.
3. To see what events are going on in your area, please visit www.nationaladoptionweek.org.uk
4. The British Association for Adoption & Fostering is the UK's leading adoption and fostering charity.